Kubota vs Bobcat Mini Excavator (2026)

Kubota vs Bobcat Mini Excavator

Updated

July 2026

Kubota and Bobcat are two of the strongest mini excavator brands in 2026. Choose Kubota for resale value and all-round reliability; choose Bobcat for its dealer and parts network. Both are excellent — the right pick depends on your local support and budget.

Kubota vs Bobcat mini excavator — 2026.
Factor	Kubota	Bobcat
Reliability	Excellent	Very good
Dealer & parts network	Strong	Excellent
Resale value	Class-leading	Strong
Best for	Resale & uptime	Support & availability

Kubota vs Bobcat: the short answer

Both are top-tier mini excavator brands. Kubota is the pick for resale value and long-term reliability; Bobcat is the pick when dealer proximity and parts availability matter most for uptime.

What to weigh

Local dealer support — the single biggest real-world factor for downtime.
Resale value at 3–5 years — Kubota usually leads.
Total cost of ownership — financing, maintenance, and warranty terms.

Rent before you commit?

Not sure of your utilization? Rent one of each for a job or two, then run the numbers on rentd’s rent-vs-buy calculator.

mini excavator models we cover

subrentd publishes a specs-and-price page for 5 mini excavator models, including Kubota and Bobcat. Prices are indicative 2026 ranges for a new machine before attachments, delivery and financing.

mini excavator models with indicative 2026 new prices on subrentd.
Model	Brand	Key specs	Indicative new price
Bobcat E35	Bobcat	Operating weight 7,699 lb · Max dig depth 10 ft 2 in	$60,000–$83,000
Kubota KX040-4	Kubota	Operating weight 9,502 lb · Max dig depth 11 ft 3 in	$62,000–$75,000
Caterpillar 305 CR	Caterpillar	Operating weight 12,688 lb · Max dig depth 11 ft 3 in	$70,000–$95,000
John Deere 35G	John Deere	Operating weight 8,135 lb · Max dig depth 10 ft 0 in	$50,000–$65,000
Takeuchi TB335R	Takeuchi	Operating weight 7,970 lb · Max dig depth ~11 ft	$55,000–$68,000

Where to buy a mini excavator

Go direct to the manufacturer or a dealer, or compare listings on the major marketplaces.

Manufacturers

Kubota Official site Find a dealer

Bobcat Official site Find a dealer

Distributors & marketplaces

MachineryTrader Ritchie Bros.IronPlanet Equipment Trader Boom & Bucket

Links go to third-party manufacturer and distributor sites; subrentd is independent and may earn a referral fee. Brand names are trademarks of their owners.

Get mini excavator pricing

Tell us the equipment and your location — we'll connect you with dealers for real pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kubota or Bobcat better for a mini excavator?+

Kubota typically edges ahead on resale value and reliability, while Bobcat wins on dealer coverage and parts availability. For most buyers the deciding factor is which brand has stronger local dealer support.

Which holds its value better, Kubota or Bobcat?+

Kubota generally holds value best in this class, though both are strong. Low hours and complete service records matter more than brand alone.

Should I rent a mini excavator instead?+

If you'll use it fewer than ~12–14 days a month, renting is usually cheaper. Compare on rentd's rent-vs-buy calculator.